2025 Opening Day Lineup Projections: An In-Depth Look
As the MLB offseason progresses, the landscape for team lineups has begun to take shape. Nearly a month has passed since the release of opening day lineup predictions, which highlighted the most significant free-agent signings and the few remaining notable names still available. Key players such as Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso remain on the market, and their eventual signings will undoubtedly impact the teams eager to fill existing roster gaps and those still looking for affordable options in the free agency pool.
Several prominent hitters, including Jose Iglesias, Randal Grichuk, Anthony Rizzo, Paul DeJong, Alex Verdugo, Harrison Bader, Justin Turner, J.D. Martinez, Ramón Laureano, Brendan Rodgers, and Mark Canha, have yet to finalize contracts this offseason. These players are highlighted in the latest lineup predictions, which take into account lineup data from Baseball Reference, roster data from FanGraphs, and educated speculation regarding potential landing spots for free agents. Further updates to these projections are expected as Opening Day approaches.
One notable lineup projection for the Arizona Diamondbacks features: RF Corbin Carroll, LF Jake McCarthy, 2B Ketel Marte, 3B Eugenio Suárez, 1B Josh Naylor, DH Lourdes Gurriel Jr., C Gabriel Moreno, SS Geraldo Perdomo, and CF Alek Thomas. The acquisition of Josh Naylor from Cleveland improves their first base situation, while Alek Thomas and Pavin Smith could compete for additional playing time in Spring Training, potentially leading to a shift in outfield configurations.
The Oakland Athletics’ projected starting lineup includes CF Michael Harris III, LF Jurickson Profar, 3B Austin Riley, 1B Matt Olson, DH Marcell Ozuna, 2B Ozzie Albies, C Sean Murphy, RF Jarred Kelenic, and SS Orlando Arcia. As the Athletics look to build on a solid offensive core, developments from former prospects Jacob Wilson and Tyler Soderstrom could significantly bolster their batting order.
In Atlanta, the Braves are expected to have CF Michael Harris III, LF Jurickson Profar, 3B Austin Riley, 1B Matt Olson, DH Marcell Ozuna, 2B Ozzie Albies, C Sean Murphy, RF Jarred Kelenic, and SS Orlando Arcia as their starting lineup. Jurickson Profar’s recent three-year deal suggests the Braves' focus on solidifying their offense, particularly until Ronald Acuña Jr.'s return to the field.
The Baltimore Orioles project CF Cedric Mullins, C Adley Rutschman, SS Gunnar Henderson, LF Tyler O’Neill, DH Ryan O’Hearn, 1B Ryan Mountcastle, RF Colton Cowser, 3B Jordan Westburg, and 2B Jackson Holliday in their lineup. Replacing Anthony Santander with Tyler O’Neill not only saves financial resources but is also expected to improve their outfield defense if O’Neill can maintain his health.
The Boston Red Sox are looking to start the season with LF Jarren Duran, 3B Rafael Devers, 1B Triston Casas, SS Trevor Story, RF Wilyer Abreu, DH Masataka Yoshida, 2B Jose Iglesias, C Connor Wong, and CF Ceddanne Rafaela. The signing of veteran Jose Iglesias may allow younger infield prospects more time to develop in the minors before taking major league roles.
The Chicago Cubs might see a lineup featuring LF Ian Happ, 3B Alex Bregman, RF Kyle Tucker, DH Seiya Suzuki, 1B Michael Busch, SS Dansby Swanson, 2B Nico Hoerner, CF Pete Crow-Armstrong, and C Miguel Amaya. Bregman's status as a free agent could influence the Cubs’ plans in the infield, particularly regarding top prospect Matt Shaw's path to the majors.
For the White Sox, CF Mike Tauchman, LF Andrew Benintendi, CF Luis Robert Jr., 1B Andrew Vaughn, 3B Josh Rojas, DH Miguel Vargas, 2B Lenyn Sosa, C Korey Lee, and SS Nick Ahmed are projected as their starting lineup. Expected signings could enhance their contingent of experienced players as they search for a more productive season.
The Cincinnati Reds project CF TJ Friedl, SS Elly De La Cruz, 2B Matt McLain, 1B Spencer Steer, C Tyler Stephenson, RF Jake Fraley, 3B Jeimer Candelario, DH Gavin Lux, and LF Austin Hays in their lineup. The recent additions are aimed at increasing offensive capabilities, though they will rely heavily on the established talent from the previous season.
The Cleveland Guardians may look to field an opening day lineup of LF Steven Kwan, DH Kyle Manzardo, 3B José Ramírez, 1B Carlos Santana, RF Randal Grichuk, CF Lane Thomas, C Bo Naylor, 2B Juan Brito, and SS Brayan Rocchio. Commitment to a low-cost free agency strategy could include a potential signing of Grichuk.
The Colorado Rockies project to field CF Brenton Doyle, SS Ezequiel Tovar, 3B Ryan McMahon, DH Kris Bryant, 1B Michael Toglia, LF Nolan Jones, 2B Thairo Estrada, RF Sam Hilliard, and C Jacob Stallings in their lineup. As the offseason progresses, they remain open to adding depth to enhance their roster.
The Detroit Tigers lineup anticipates CF Parker Meadows, 2B Gleyber Torres, LF Riley Greene, DH J.D. Martinez, RF Kerry Carpenter, 3B Matt Vierling, 1B Colt Keith, SS Trey Sweeney, and C Jake Rogers. A signing of veteran J.D. Martinez might provide an impactful presence as the team assesses emerging talents in their lineup.
The Houston Astros’ projected lineup features 2B Jose Altuve, DH Yordan Alvarez, 1B Christian Walker, C Yainer Diaz, 3B Isaac Paredes, SS Jeremy Peña, RF Chas McCormick, LF Alex Verdugo, and CF Jake Meyers. The need for a left-handed hitter to compete with current left field candidates could direct team strategies moving forward.
In Kansas City, the Royals may utilize DH Jonathan India, SS Bobby Witt Jr., 1B Vinnie Pasquantino, C Salvador Pérez, 2B Michael Massey, CF Harrison Bader, RF Hunter Renfroe, LF MJ Melendez, and 3B Maikel García for their lineup. Strategies may involve leveraging the lineup to maximize offensive potential.
The Los Angeles Angels project a starting lineup of DH Shohei Ohtani, SS Mookie Betts, 1B Freddie Freeman, RF Teoscar Hernández, C Will Smith, 3B Max Muncy, LF Michael Conforto, CF Tommy Edman, and 2B Hyeseong Kim. Attention will focus on the team’s reliance on the health of star players and development of younger talents.
The Los Angeles Dodgers might debut with a lineup including DH Kyle Schwarber, SS Trea Turner, 1B Bryce Harper, 3B Alec Bohm, RF Nick Castellanos, CF Brandon Marsh, C J.T. Realmuto, LF Max Kepler, and 2B Bryson Stott. Additional changes to leverage utility players or substitute options could bolster their performance.
For the Miami Marlins, the lineup projects to be RF Jackson Chourio, DH Christian Yelich, C William Contreras, CF Garrett Mitchell, 1B Rhys Hoskins, LF Sal Frelick, 3B Yoán Moncada, SS Joey Ortiz, and 2B Brice Turang. Efforts to enhance their offensive depth will be critical as they face the potential of a lackluster performance.
The Milwaukee Brewers lineup is anticipated to be LF Willi Castro, SS Carlos Correa, 3B Royce Lewis, CF Byron Buxton, DH Trevor Larnach, RF Matt Wallner, 1B José Miranda, C Ryan Jeffers, and 2B Brooks Lee. The current roster dynamics prompt action to effectively address their competitive standing.
In the New York Mets' anticipated opening day lineup, projections suggest: 1B Yandy Díaz, RF Josh Lowe, 3B Junior Caminero, 2B Brandon Lowe, LF Christopher Morel, C Danny Jansen, DH Eloy Jiménez, CF Jonny DeLuca, and SS Taylor Walls. Their offseason strategy may necessitate further additions to enhance overall team competitiveness.
The New York Yankees are expected to field a lineup comprising CF Jung Hoo Lee, SS Willy Adames, 3B Matt Chapman, LF Heliot Ramos, 1B Anthony Rizzo, RF Mike Yastrzemski, DH LaMonte Wade Jr., 2B Tyler Fitzgerald, and C Patrick Bailey. The fate of several players will become clearer as management navigates decisions regarding roster refinement.
The Oakland Athletics are projected to have a playoff-caliber roster with players like RF Lawrence Butler, DH Brent Rooker, CF JJ Bleday, C Shea Langeliers, 1B Tyler Soderstrom, 2B Zack Gelof, LF Colby Thomas, 3B Gio Urshela, and SS Jacob Wilson. A talented offensive core shows potential, signaling a year of improvement.
As free-agency winds down, it remains crucial for teams to identify strategic signing opportunities to fill gaps and engineer successful openings in pursuit of a championship season. Observers can look forward to additional projections and updates ahead of the 2025 Opening Day.